Alice,

Cowards end up living the life they deserve. I'm so sorry you were hurt by this creep. Remember that you've got a lot of friends who share in the belief that he should be subjected to hundreds of paper cuts just before falling into a vat of lemon juice. While Barry Manilow plays in the background.

'spaw, besides everything else you are (although right in the head isn't one of them), you've become the encapsulator of the 'cat. How do you remember all those threads and references? Well, I guess ingrown hairs encapsulate too. It's vintage 'spaw. Funny, touching and right on.

I'll volunteer to monitor the b'day cake. I know it's only three candles, but when you think of the intention and love and energy which reside in this place, you know they'll burn bright.

Here's a toast my friends, to Max and his elves and fairies who keep the lights on at the Mudcat. Friends be upstanding: Max, and the Mudcat, Many Happy Returns of the Day.

E.S.